There are numerous patterns used in tactile paving and they can be easily mistaken for one another. In some instances the difference between two patterns may look slight but to the visually impaired they make a world of difference when sensed under foot or cane. This guide will help you identify and understand the different patterns that go into each model of tactile paving.
The corduroy pattern is made up of 8 bars with rounded ends, equally spaced, in a 400mm x 400mm boundary. The bars themselves are 400mm long x 20mm wide x 6mm high.
The pattern is used to warn of hazards and to instruct the pedestrian to alter their gait for obstacles including steps, level crossings, and at ramps leading to on-street tram and Light Rapid Transit (LRT) platforms.
The directional guidance pattern is made up of 5 bars with rounded ends, equally spaced, in a 400mm x 400mm boundary. The bars themselves are 380mm long x 35mm wide x 5mm high.
The pattern is used to guide the visually impaired along obstacle-free routes in the absence of property lines and kerb edges.
The in-line blister pattern is made up of 36 blisters, equally spaced, in a 400mm x 400mm boundary. The blisters are 25mm in diameter and 5mm in height.
The pattern is used at a dropped kerb to warn the visually impaired that they’ve reached a controlled or uncontrolled crossing and should prepare to stop.
This pattern is also used in more recent guidance with directional guidance paving as an attention point or decision junction for use in navigating transport infrastructure and other public locations. In-line blister paving is applied in a red colourway for controlled crossings and yellow/buff for uncontrolled crossings.
The offset blister pattern is made up of 36 blisters, with each row being offset, in a 400mm x 400mm boundary. The blisters are 25mm in diameter and 5mm in height.
This pattern is used to let visually impaired rail users know that they’re approaching the platform edge on above ground and underground rail platforms and that they should be prepared to stop. Available most commonly in yellow/buff, grey and black.
The platform edge lozenge pattern is made up of 6 lozenges, equally spaced, in a 400mm x 400mm boundary. The lozenges are 150mm in length, 83mm in width, and 6mm in height.
This pattern is used to let visually impaired rail users know that they’re approaching the platform edge on Light Rapid Transit (LRT) or on-street tram platforms.
The shared cycle track pattern is made up of 4 bars with square ends, equally spaced, in a 400mm x 400mm boundary. The bars are 400mm in length, 30mm in width, and 5mm in height.
This pattern is used as a notifying element letting the visually impaired know that they’re joining a route that has a cycle track adjacent to the pedestrian route.
If you require assistance planning the layout of tactile paving or selecting the correct paving pattern for the project, please get in touch on 01686 807 450 or email us at [email protected]
